The INDUStry Show

Awadhesh Kumar is the Founder, CEO of AK Studios - producing feature length films from South Asian storytellers, targeting American and European markets and top international film festivals.

Shivang Mehta is the Founder, CEO of Mehta Studios - an independent film studio currently producing a feature length film Landlord. He previously led story production for TV networks including Bravo, CBS, Discovery+, Nickelodeon and OWN. He is an alum of Chapman University.

Aashumi Mody is the Founder, CEO of Aayka - the largest Indian occasion-wear rental company in the US, bootstrapped to $1.4M in revenue and 4,000+ rentals since 2024. Aayka marketplace allows anyone to rent and resell from their own closet.

Leena Hingnikar is a Managing Partner at Hingnikar Family Law, APC - Certified Family Law Specialist for complex family law issues in California. Previously she was a Certified Family Law Specialist at Walzer Melcher LLP. Past Chair, Family Law Section of the California Lawyers Association. She is an alum of UC San Diego and Whittier Law.

Kern Singh is the Chairman, CEO, Co-Founder of The Singh Law Firm, PC - Northern California’s premier estate planning practitioners with expertise in advanced planning strategies for Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), start-ups, estate taxation, IPOs, and liquidity events. Previously he served at San Francisco County District Attorney’s Office under then–Avvorict Attorney Kamala Harris. He was named Super Lawyers Rising Star and holds a “Superb Attorney” 10/10 rating on Avvo.

Preetha Ram is the Managing Partner & CTO at Pier 70 Ventures - investing in diverse teams transforming healthcareacross precision medicine, tele-health, drug discovery, and reducing health disparities. She is an academic, scientist, and board member at several for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Previously she was the founder/ CEO of OpenStudy (acquired by Brainly).

Kenny Dewan is the Founder and Board Member at Together in Giving (TiG) - a non-profit bringing like minded families who are passionate about giving back to create meaningful experiences and building lasting connections. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Akua Behavioral Health - operating mental health and substance use treatment facilities in California.

Neeharika Munjal is the Founder & CEO of Young Indian Professionals of New England (YIPNE) - a fast-growing collaborative networking platform. She is a healthcare leader and community builder. She is an alum of Boston University.

Ambassador Dr Srinivasa K J IFS is the First Consul General of India in Los Angeles. He’s a medical graduate and seasoned diplomat with experience in economic diplomacy, political engagement, consular affairs, and public service delivery across 4 continents. His previous postings include Guyana, Peru, Spain, South Africa, and the U.S., along with diplomatic accreditation across the Caribbean. As India’s Chief Passport Officer, he led rollout of next-generation e-Passports.

Payal Sawhney is the Founder President & Executive Director of Saahas for Cause - educating, empowering, and enabling South Asian immigrant community in Los Angeles to improve their quality of life. She is providing education and wellness programs for older adults, women, and youth. She is an alum of University of Cincinnati, Pune University.